Nia Vardalos and Ian Gomez split

Nia Vardalos has split from her husband Ian Gomez after 24 years of marriage.

The 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' actress confirmed she and the 52-year-old actor - who married in 1993 and have 11-year-old daughter Ilaria together - went their separate ways some time ago after their relationship because more like a friendship.

They said in a joint statement: "We've been respectfully separated for a lengthy period of time.

"Our relationship became a friendship so the decision to end the marriage is completely mutual and amicable.

"It is our hope that decency will prevail on the reporting of this story which will soon be yesterday's news. Thank you for respecting our privacy."

Their statement came after it was revealed on Tuesday (03.07.18) that Nia had filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences and listed their separation date as over a year ago, July 29, 2017.

According to documents obtained by The Blast, she is seeking joint legal and physical custody of their daughter, who they adopted in 2008.

The actress also asked that spousal support to be "determined in mediation".

The former couple have worked on a number of projects together in the past, including 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' in 2002 and the movie's 2016 sequel, and Nia's 2009 directorial debut, 'I Hate Valentine's Day'.

They also co-hosted the first two series of cooking competition 'The Great American Baking Show', from 2015 to 2017.

The writer-and-actress has previously spoken about her battle to become a parent, having undergone 13 failed IVF treatments, unsuccessful surrogate attempts and several miscarriages before adopting Ilaria.

She said: "I felt so embarrassed that I couldn't have a biological child...